Spring Clean Your Way To Clear Skin

Clear skin is a sign of youth, health and vitality, so it’s little wonder 85 per cent of women say it would make them feel more confident.

But in our quest to get a blemishfree complexion, it’s all too easy to do more harm than good – and many of us do. ‘You can over-cleanse the skin, especially if you use products that contain alcohol and/or detergents, such as sodium lauryl sulfate,’ says top facialist Emma Hardie. ‘By drying out the skin, and stripping it of its natural oils, they unbalance its natural, protective water and oil levels. That, in turn, can irritate the skin, leading to blemishes, spots, sensitivity and dryness,’ warns Emma.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

So just how do you keep your skin clear and cleansed without damaging it? For a deep cleanse, Tom Ogden of Australian skincare brand Alpha-H recommends products with fruit acids, such as glycolic acid, which ‘sweeps’ the pores clean. ‘Clay can draw out impurities,’ says Tom. ‘And if your skin is oily or prone to acne, look for cleansers containing triclosan, an antibacterial that’s great for keeping breakouts at bay.’

But for those of us with less problematic skin, most experts recommend oil-based cleansers, which give thorough cleansing without stripping skin of its protective barrier. As Emma explains: ‘Oils help to moisturise while gently melting away dirt and grease, maintaining the delicate balance of the skin.’ Her own award-winning Emma Hardie Amazing Face Natural Lift and Sculpt Moringa Cleansing Balm (£36) fits the bill perfectly, but if you’re looking for a budget option, Nip + Fab Deep Cleansing Fix (£3.98 for 100ml, from Boots) is hard to beat.

If cleaning your skin with oil isn’t for you, try one of these great cleansers instead:

Best For Dry Skin

Madara Delicate Cleansing Milk (£15 for 200ml) With 100 per cent natural ingredients including linen flowers and oats, this promises to cleanse without irritation or stripping. In fact, it’s so mild, you can use the wipe-or-rinse-off formula around the eyes.

Best For Sensitive Skin

Best for Deep Cleansing

Alpha-H Micro Cleanse (£26.50 for 100ml, lookfantastic.com) Contains a mild fruit acid to clean pores and get rid of dead skin cells. Plus there are ingredients to keep breakouts at bay and draw out impurities.